Tesoros promotes aspiring and inspiring local artisans through “Disenyo at Talento” series at Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers

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Tesoros brings out the best that the Filipino can do as Tesoro's helped in the evolution of our nation’s identity, our sense of nationhood for in our stores are the products of our people.

Tesoro’s has helped preserve our country's indigenous art-forms, as we learned new skills from our colonizers and made it our own. Tesoro showcase these crafts of embroidery, fiber and woodworks, features in Tesoro's stores are the images that resonate with “Filipino-ness.”

Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers featured during initial salvo 

The arts have been known as the greatest representations of society’s culture and traditions – from traditional to the contemporary; not just the heritage but also the modern. Showcasing aspiring and inspiring craftsmen who reflect the fine Hispano-Asian legacy of the Philippines through various works of art, Tesoro’s, the provider of quality local treasures, has launched the event series “Disenyo At Talento.”

“Our country is blessed with so many great artists,” pronounced the Group CEO of Tesoro’s, Maria Isabel “Beng” Tesoro. “Being one of the leading promoters of our local talents, we thought to launch ‘Disenyo at Talento’ to shed light on both Filipino craftsmanship and the constantly thriving art scene in the country,” she added.

For the first salvo, the store has featured the Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers, crafted by former corporate publishing executive-turned-clay artisan An Mercado Alcantara. To formalize the start of the series, a ribbon-cutting has been conducted by Department of Tourism Regional Director Rebecca Labit and President of Philippine Tour Operators Association Cesar Cruz. 

“My creations are mostly inspired by the culture and the people of my husband’s birthplace San Pablo, Laguna – a place I have fallen in love with,” shared An. Her favorite subjects include the Virgin Mary in several incarnations, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lipa, and Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba. She surrounds these main subjects with storytellers and tablets featuring festive processions and villagers.

An’s friends and growing number of clients admire the positivity that Casa San Pablo dolls have always radiated. Asked about the secret behind the beauty and expressiveness of her storyteller dolls, An said, “My hands are my main tools. Although I have clay shapers and precision dentist’s tools – I asked a dentist friend to buy me a set – there’s nothing like our palms and fingers to get the shape we want.” 

These hand-pinched and hand-painted terracotta dolls are regularly available at Casa San Pablo,a bed and breakfast in a still genteel family compound in San Pablo City run by An and her husband, art collector and hobby enthusiast Boots Alcantara. Casa San Pablo is also known a creativity hub, where people can come to re-charge and rekindle their imagination.

Part of the total sales from Casa San Pablo Clay Story Tellers at the “Disenyo At Talento” event series will be donated to San Francisco Terraces Orphanage, one of two orphanages under the auspices of the San Pablo City government's DSWD office. “We chose this organization because our clay works celebrate the special bond between storytellers and children. We hope to help feed their bodies and their minds with food and stories that will, hopefully, help them experience a better world,” shared An.

The institution houses 32 orphans, at least 5 of whom are mentally challenged. Many of these children are survivors of abuse, parental neglect or family abandonment. 

All of the orphans share only 2 rooms and 2 toilets in a house that is in dire need of repair. The government’s financial monthly subsidy for the institution is currently not enough to cover the subsistence of these children.

From Tesoro’s Makati branch, the Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers will be available across all Tesoro’s outlets nationwide starting June 2015. 

“By including the works of the chosen local artists in our stores, we hope that more and more people can appreciate the genuine creativity of Filipinos. 

It is also rewarding that this event allows us and the artists to reach out to our friends in need through art for a cause,” said Beng Tesoro.

For more details about the event, visit http://tesoros.ph/ or Tesoro’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tesoroshandicrafts?fref=ts. 

Tesoros Philippine Handicraft Concept Stores

Makati: 1016 A. Arnaiz Avenue 887-6285, 887-6997

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine

With Concepcion Midea’s French Door refrigerator, less trips to the grocery

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As we call Midea French door refrigerator the “Party” Refrigerator as it is built to store a huge amount of food and drinks fit to throw a big party to celebrate and entertain in our homes.

Concepcion Midea, Inc. had this in mind when it designed its French Door refrigerator, a roomy piece of appliance with enough space to store all your groceries.

But you cannot be too sure about the quality of food on warm sunny days. In homes with small fridges, this means shopping for groceries often to ensure the freshness of produce. Rather than spending quality time to bond with your family, you find yourself burdened with the task of shopping for food regularly.

The French Door is a modern piece of equipment that would transform any kitchen. Its energy-saving features make it a smart choice for newlyweds and young professionals who are just starting on their own.

“This refrigerator has a no-frost feature that makes it easy to maintain and hassle-free of operate. Rather than spend your weekend defrosting your fridge just to keep it in tip-top condition, it stays clean and free from frost for its lifetime,” Philip Trapaga, Midea ‘s General Manager, explains.

Likewise, maintaining a cool dry environment in your fridge is important to keep food fresh. Its high moisture retention technology ensures an optimal level of humidity inside the fridge keeping food fresh for longer periods of time.

This refrigerator has a four-door design, making it one of the roomiest in the market. You can easily keep fruits and vegetables separate from the chiller and freezer compartment for optimum taste and freshness. Stored items are within easy reach with its wide door-shelf feature. The temperature of each compartment is independently controlled in order to achieve optimum freshness of the food.

This unit comes with a number of energy-efficient features to ensure that it is always at optimum performance. “The dual-cycle and dual air-cooled refrigeration system allows cool air to circulate freely within the unit, reaching food items stored at the back of the ref,” Philip adds.

It also has an electronic LED/LCD display that lets you monitor and control the temperature inside.

With Midea French Door’s silver-ion de-germing feature called the Photosynthetic Preservation Technology, to prevent food rot while the fresh ultraviolet light from the Photocatalytic degradation kills bacteria that might find its way into your fridge.

On top of all these, it also has a 3D stereo LED light to illuminate all parts of the refrigerator mimicking the sun’s rays thus keeping the vegetables and fruits fresh. As well as an automatic icemaker that removes the chore of always putting water in the ice cube trays of your freezer.

With all these space-saving and energy-efficient features, Midea’sFrench Door refrigerator lets you experience the same quality of high-end refrigerators but at a reasonable price.

Indeed, live different, choose different.

About Midea

Midea is one of the world's largest producers of consumer appliances. Established in 1968, Midea has consistently strived to make the lives of its consumers easier with their line of innovative products. On 2014, Midea Global partnered with Concepcion Industrial Corporation to bring the brand closer to Filipinos. For more information on Midea, please call +632-850-9888 or visit www.midea.com.ph

Biggest Sports Events Headline TV5"s Exclusive Coverage of 28th SEA Games

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“Laban Pilipinas!”

Here's for the entire country to enjoy a complete SEA Games viewing experience -  “Laban Pilipinas!” TV5, the country’s official Olympic broadcaster, once again leads the entire country’s charge of this famed battle cry, as it rolls out its exclusive coverage of some of the most popular and widely-followed sports in the highly-anticipated 28th South East Asian (SEA) Games in Singapore.

Being the bona fide ‘basketball nation’ that the Philippines has been known by the entire world to be, Pinoy fans and religious followers of the sport will be delighted to know that they will be able to keep close tabs on both the Gilas Cadets (Men’s Basketball team) and Perlas Pilipinas (Women’s Basketball team) in this regional, biennial event.

The Men’s team, which is led by hard court standouts Marcus Douthit and Kiefer Ravena, will first test their wares against Indonesia on June 10 (Wednesday, 1:00PM, LIVE on TV5); followed by Malaysia on June 11 (Thursday, 4:00PM, LIVE on TV5); and Timor Leste on June 12 (Friday, 6:00PM, LIVE on AksyonTV).

Their counterparts, Perlas Pilipinas, led by veteran Merenciana Arayi and Fil-Am Sofia Roman, will begin their journey against Thailand on June 9 (Tuesday, 9:00AM, LIVE on AksyonTV); Vietnam on June 10 (Wednesday, 9:00AM, LIVE on AksyonTV); Malaysia on June 11 (Thursday, 12:00NN on TV5); and Indonesia on June 12 (Friday, 12:00NN, LIVE on TV5).

All eyes will definitely also be on the country’s volleyball teams, who will be marking their return to the regional stage for the first time in 10 years.

The Women’s team, bannered by volleyball superstar and official Philippine team flag bearer Alyssa Valdez, will first take on Indonesia on June 10 (Wednesday, 12:00NN, LIVE on AksyonTV); Malaysia on June 11 (Thursday,10:00AM, LIVE on AksyonTV); and Vietnam on June 13 (Saturday, 10:00AM, LIVE on TV5).

The Men’s volleyball team will slug it out against the region’s best, beginning with Malaysia on June 10 (Wednesday, 7:00PM on AksyonTV); Myanmar on June 11 (Thursday, 7:00PM on AksyonTV); and powerhouse Thailand on June 14 (Sunday, 1:00PM on TV5).

Also, viewers who have followed the challenging matches of the Under 23 Men’s Football team during the team’s earlier games, can still continue to cheer for them as they leave it all out on the field against Myanmar on June 7 (Saturday, 8:00PM, LIVE on AksyonTV); and Indonesia on June 9 (Tuesday, 8:30PM, LIVE on AksyonTV).

TV5 will also be closely monitoring the journeys of the other athletes who will be representing the Philippines in other sporting events. Viewers and netizens can expect daily updates on our brave Kababayanswho will be competing in Boxing, Wushu, Billiards, Tennis, Netball, Swimming, Rugby7’s, Diving and Athletics. On top of these, the Kapatid Network will also give viewers a chance to catch up on the highlights from other sports, such as Fencing, Shooting, Softball, Judo, Equestrian, Bowling, Archery, Rowing, Taekwondo, as well as Cycling.

Viewers will get to witness for themselves the much-awaited grand opening ceremony of the 28th SEA Games that will be broadcast LIVE from Singapore’s newly-built National Stadium on June 5 (Friday, 8:00PM via AksyonTV).

Exciting Celebrity Shows awaits evryone at Pagcor's 'Jam for Freedom' this June

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If you’re looking for total entertainment this June, then Pagcor is the best place to be.

Angelika dela Cruz is not only a good actress but a talented singer as well. Her angelic voice will be heard live as she takes centerstage on June 12 at Casino Filipino Olongapo and June 19 at Casino Filipino Cebu. 

Janno Gibbs returns to Pagcor stage on June 12 (Casino Filipino Angeles) and June 24 (Casino Filipino Pavilion). A gifted performer, Janno takes everyone to an enchanted evening of music. 

Get ready to fall in love this June while watching acoustic singer Nyoy Volante as he belts out romantic melodies at the Mimosa Satellite on June 19. Nyoy’s lifelong love and passion for music explain his versatility as an acclaimed artist.

The riotous tandem of Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo takes the spotlight at Casino Filipino Tagaytay on June 20. Wally and Jose promise a night of laughter mixed with high voltage performance that will surely rock the house down.

Be amazed with Gloc 9’s rapping prowess on June 24 at Casino Filipino Malate. See if you can catch up with his signature rapping when he starts to unleash kilometric words per second. 

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists

Starmobile with PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones

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Starmobile, the country’s most innovative mobile brand launches the country’s first ever line of digital TV phones to allow you to watch Digital TV (DTV) channels for FREE anytime and anywhere DTV services available.

Here's most fun trend in mobile gadgets since the invention of the smartphone.

The big-screen KNIGHT Vision, The slender UP Vision, and soon the big battery UP Max.

Starmobile’s Digital TV Phones: The Three Mobile-TV Hybrids Made For Pinoys

Starmobile KNIGHT Vision

Starmobile KNIGHT Vision

Leading the pack is the KNIGHT Vision

*  quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM
*  Optical Image Stabilization (OIS
*  13MP rear camera with Sony EXMOR technology
*  8MP front camera
*  internal memory capacity of 16GB
*   2450mAh Lithium Polymer battery
*   Php9,990

It comes with a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM, an HD screen in-plane switching, which means that images look great from any angle, making it perfect for watching vids with your best bud, girlfriend or boyfriend, or crush. It comes with real-time recording technology so you never have to miss a moment in your favorite sport or drama. 

Its camera is equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) technology, which keeps your photos blur-free and sharp. A physical anti-shake mechanism will allow you to take better videos, which are sure to be great with a 13MP rear camera with Sony EXMOR technology as well as an 8MP front camera for selfie goodness. 

The phone has an internal memory capacity of 16GB, though a Micro SD card slot ensures you can add up to 64GB to that. Meanwhile, there’s no need to worry that your TV viewing will result in a dead phone as the 2450mAh Lithium Polymer battery gives you up to four hours TV time, 15 hours talk time, and up to 15 days on standby mode.



Starmobile  UP Vision 

Starmobile UP Vision 

The UP Vision  has more streamlined power, but it still packs quite a punch. This digital TV phone is the slimmest and lightest phone of the bunch, which means it’ll fit like a dream into most pockets and just about any purse. It features :

*   1800-mAh battery that comes with up to 9 hours talk time and about 10 and a half days on standby mode.
* 13MP rear camera that sports an AF Sony BSI lens with a Blue Glass Filter and an 8MP front camera from Samsung.

*  Php5,990

The UP Max 

Starmobile UP Max is built to outlast its older siblings.

Features:

*   ultra-amped up 5000mAH battery, which is the largest on any smartphone currently on the market. With it you can enjoy up to 10 hours DTV time, 24 hours talk time, and a whopping 41.25 days on standby mode. 

*  At 9.6mm—the slimmest for a phone with a 5000mAh battery--its design remains sleek and ergonomically perfect in the palm.

*   Plus, it comes with a DTV antenna dongle which you can simply remove when you’re not watching TV. 

*   This Android Lollipop-powered phone also comes with an enhanced user interface, better app compatibility, and improved security features, including mobile anti theft technology and data protection. 

*   The UP Max also comes with a 13MP Sony IMX 135 with EXMOR RS sensor, which means you can snap photos in low-light and have them come out like a dream.

*   Php7,490

DTV Phones: A New Take on Pinoy TV Viewing

The technology and versatility of DTV phones mark a new era in Philippine mobile functionality. Starmobile has always put the wants and needs of Pinoy mobile users first, and digital TV phones would fit well into the modern and very mobile lifestyle of today’s Filipinos. 

With its souped-up line of DTV devices, Starmobile is set to affect the industry and influence the future of mobile. 

Crisper, high-quality video means more emphasis on great artistry. 

Any advances in the quality of video the average viewer can watch have called for the industry to update the way they do things, from the makeup techniques used on actors to visual effects achieved through filming or production. 

Mobile viewing makes TV a solo affair. 

Because you can now watch your favorite TV channels on your mobile through Starmobile, it means you don’t have to fight for control of the remote control whenever your favorite show is on air. 

Digital recording spreads viewing times out. 

Primetime may not be prime any longer as real-time recording functions on Starmobile digital TV phones mean that you can wait until later in the evening or even another day entirely before you watch a TV show you’ve been meaning to catch. 

That frees up your social life so you don’t have to make the decision between finding out what happens on the season finale of your favorite show and meeting your barkada for dinner. 

‘Anytime, anywhere’ means quality TV programming can and should be 24/7. 

If you’re channel surfing in the wee hours of the morning these days, you’ll often find channels replaying old (sometimes very, very old) episodes of their shows. But with the Starmobile DTV phones, now you can watch your shows in bed even without a TV in your room, and you can record shows you might not be able to watch when they air. 

This sense of easy access means that smaller channels may want to capitalize on bigger channels’ “dead times” and air new content across the region, or top-level TV channels may want to invest in more new shows as the need for reruns will eventually become pretty much defunct. And more shows just mean more TV fun, right?

Even if you’re not a TV addict, you’ll still get a lot of use out of your digital TV phone. Gamers will love the responsiveness of the system as well as the HD screen, something people who download a lot of videos will get a kick out of, too, apart from the huge memory available for use. 

Instagrammers and photo-foodies will appreciate the great cameras these come equipped with, as will folks who like to capture moments in time via video (like parents and travel junkies).

The UP Vision and the KNIGHT Vision are now available in Starmobile Stores and Kiosks nationwide while the UP Max will be available beginning the second week of June. 

To learn more, visit the Starmobile website at www.starmobile.com.ph. 

You can also search for “Happy Man by Starmobile” on Facebook or follow @happymanPH on Twitter and Instagram.